
The Elms Newport Mansion, a French chateau inspired Gilded Age estate in Rhode Island, features historic home design, formal gardens, and HBO filming ties. This type of historic home design is what happens when you have too much money in 1901 and a taste for France. Architect Horace Trumbauer modeled the house after Château d’Asnières, then wrapped it in Indiana limestone so it would basically last forever.

A stroll through Bristol, Rhode Island, reveals the kind of architectural inspiration that makes this a must-visit for any New England historic home designer. A quiet waterfront town just north of Newport—about an hour from Boston if you’re lucky with traffic. I take projects throughout New England, and this one landed me in a place I hadn’t explored before.

A closer look at architectural details that define historic home design in Boston’s Back Bay—from classic brownstones to one-of-a-kind standouts. Famous for its architectural rhythm—block after block of brownstones, bay windows, and mansard roofs, all standing neatly in line like a (very fancy) army. But take a closer look, and the rhythm breaks—in the best way.

It’s been a while since we shared progress on our K Street project, and while we’ve shared updates on Instagram, the journal posts have been quiet. With six weeks (ish) left in construction, it felt like the right time to offer a peek. This brownstone renovation leans into classic architecture and timeless materials—always our favorite combination. As historic home designers, we’re always balancing restoration and reinvention.

LA is full of contradictions. A city, but sprawling like a suburb. Industry-driven, yet business deals go down in flip-flops. Full of both grit and glamour; famous, yet somehow still faceless. What I learned is that LA’s architecture is hyper-varied: One block with a Spanish Colonial Revival, the next Craftsman or a Mid-Century Modern. What LA does best is to tuck it’s architectural gems into places you don’t expect.

Room & Board recently featured our work on their blog, and we’re super happy with the write-up and the recognition. Their products blend quality craftsmanship with timeless design, making them a natural fit for our projects. Based in Minnesota, they source from skilled artisans across the country—including some right here in New England.

Over the past year, we’ve been elbows-deep in our latest Boston brownstone renovation, restoring it for a young couple with an eye for Scandinavian design and European influences. She’s a Massachusetts native, he trails from London. Each bring their own version of ‘classic’ and ‘modern’ to the design. Read on to learn about the team, see our progress, and explore renderings of the backyard and primary bathroom.

When tackling a 10,000-square-foot historic estate, you need more than just good taste—you need a plan, a ladder, and maybe a little caffeine. This Concord home, originally built in 1903, challenged us to create spaces that honored its history while inviting a fresh perspective. With a cohesive palette, modern touches, and a focus on historic home interior design, we brought new life to its iconic bones.

One of our favorite projects was transforming the parlor level of a stunning historic home. This brownstone interior design project required a careful balance of style and functionality to bring our client’s vision to life. After an extensive renovation, we stepped in to furnish and decorate the main living areas. Our client, overwhelmed with decision fatigue, had a clear aesthetic vision – see how we pulled it all together.

There’s something magical about fireplaces in historic New England homes. They’re not just spots to warm up—they’re like time machines wrapped in marble, brick and tile. Each one is an architectural gem, full of charm and stories from centuries past. So, grab a seat (preferably near a fire) and let’s take a little journey through some of the most captivating and cozy fireplaces we’ve had the pleasure of reviving.

If you’re a brownstone lover, you know the charm: intricate plaster moldings, original details, and vintage fireplaces. In this South End project, we celebrated a historic brownstone renovation while designing a layout for modern living. With en-suite bedrooms, a luxurious primary suite, and a cozy guest suite, this home blends history and function. As a Boston interior designer, we honored the past while creating a fresh, livable space.

We focused on honoring the home’s classic architecture while subtly updating it with modern furnishings for this full home renovation project in Hingham. We stayed true to historic home design principals, and reconfigured spaces WITHOUT extending beyond to original footprint of the house. The studio improved the floor plan, refreshed rooms with paint and wallpaper, and introduced details that feel both fresh and timeless.